Obtaining a permit for the Wonderland Trail is notoriously nerve wracking, tedious, and requires several timed steps. As much as I obsessively and meticulously combed through each step, I was met with an inevitable roadblock. I felt like by fully understanding the process, I was able to pivot with each. My itinerary changed too many times to count, but I kept my priorities at the forefront. For me I wanted a 5–6-day itinerary, hopefully in peak wildflower season, and starting/ending at Longmire. 

1. Reservation Window: Reservations for permits typically open in late February or early March. The summer season runs July 1 – September 30.
2. Permit Types: There are different types of permits depending on whether you’re hiking the entire trail or a section. You need a permit for any back country activities in the park. Campsites are heavily enforced, and a reservation is required for any camping.
3. Apply Online: Applications are submitted through the Recreation.gov website during the designated reservation window. * This is what I did until I got one, this year! *
4. Lottery System: Due to high demand, a lottery system is used for permit allocation. You can enter the lottery for specific dates or for a range of dates. They often differ wildly from what you originally plan, be prepared to roll with the punches.
5. Notification: Lottery results are usually announced in mid-March. If you win a permit, you need to confirm and pay for it within the specific timeframe, assigned to you.
6. Pick Up Permit: If you confirm and pay for your permit, you’ll receive a confirmation letter. You must pick up your actual permit in person at a ranger station before starting your hike.
7. Additional Alternatives: If you don’t get a permit through the lottery, you can try for a walk-up permit, available 1-7 days in advance at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center. If you need to alter your reservation and are flexible, you can attempt to do so in person, at Longmire when you go to retrieve your permit from the ranger station.

   Always refer to the official Mount Rainier National Park website for the most current and detailed information on the permit process for the Wonderland Trail.